Nikita Salamatov scored the only goal from the penalty spot for the Russians as both sides finished the game with 10 men following red cards for Artem Iusupov and Sean McSweeney, in separate incidents.
Russia started the better side and caused Ireland problems from corners early on and their pressure was rewarded when Anthony McAlavey inadvertently headed a ball back towards his own goal and as Rob Slevin attempted to clear, the ball struck the UCC defender’s arm and referee Timotheos Christofi immediately pointed to the spot. Salamatov made no mistake and gave the Russian the lead.
Ireland could only begin to find their rhythm in the last quarter of the first half when McAlavey produced a wonderful save from goalkeeper Viacheslav Grigorian with a swivelling flick-on from Maurice Nugent’s cross.
Ireland had opportunities in the second half with McAlavey drilling his shot into the ground from 12 yards but the ball bounced outside the post and Cillian Duffy could have also done better with his attempt of connecting with another Nugent cross.
Russia were reduced to 10 men just after the hour mark when Iusupov picked up a second yellow whilst competing with Coffey for a ball in the air. Coffey who had already received treatment for other knocks in the game could only last another ten minutes and was forced off for the remainder of the game.
Ireland pushed hard for an equaliser but couldn’t fashion any clearcut chances and frustration began to show when McSweeney received a straight red card for dissent following a free kick awarded to Russia with five minutes remaining.
Ireland will now compete in the 5th-8th placed classifications with a match against Ukraine to come on Thursday.
Ireland: Coffey (Sheridan 75), Nugent, Manley, Slevin, Young, McAlavey (Daly-Butz 66), Kelly, Hurley, McSweeney, Duffy (Noack-Hofmann 80), O’Sullivan (Falvey 77)
Referee: Timotheos Christofi (Cyprus)
2019 FISU Summer Universiade Men’s Football – Results
Ireland 3-2 South Korea
Ireland 1-1 Uruguay
Ireland 0-1 Russia
2019 FISU Summer Universiade Men’s Football – Fixture
11/07 Ireland v Ukraine, Stadio San Francesco, 5pm (4pm Irish Time)